If we provoke people, they get angry’ – Real star Thibaut Courtois called out by Atletico boss Diego Simeone for role in chaotic Madrid derby scenes as barrage of missiles aimed at goalkeeper sees match suspended

The clash between feuding neighbours in the Spanish capital at the Metropolitano had to be halted at one stage after home supporters threw lighters and other objects onto the field. Both sets of players were taken off the pitch in a bid to restore order in the stands.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Atletico fans were reacting to seeing Real take the lead through Eder Militao, with former Rojiblancos loanee Courtois goading those in the crowd after seeing the visitors hit the net. Missiles rained down in his direction, with masked fans screaming at the Belgian shot-stopper.

  • WHAT SIMEONE SAID

    Simeone was among those to call for calm during the enforced stoppage, with the Argentine coach telling DAZN afterwards of an unfortunate situation that could have been avoided: “We all have to help. The people who threw those lighters, as also happened at the Bernabeu when Courtois was our player and he received a lighter on his head, are not behaving well. But we, the protagonists, probably don’t help either when we underestimate people, we burden people, we provoke people and people get angry.

    “People have no other way of doing it, in a bad way, which is not right, but we also have to see the place of the protagonist, try to remain calm, understand the situations. You can celebrate a goal, but you can’t celebrate it by looking at the stands, pointing at them and making faces at them, because then people get angry. It’s not justified, but neither is what started out justified because otherwise, we’re always the victim.”

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    DID YOU KNOW?

    Simeone added on the supporters that acted out of line, after seeing Angel Correa snatch a 95th-minute equaliser for Atletico: “We have to try to identify those who have been involved and make sure they don’t come back, because we don’t need this type of people. We need the people who encourage us, the people who are there, the people who support the team, because they are very important to us.”

    WHAT NEXT?

    Atletico are expected to face punishment from La Liga for failing to control their fans, with sanctions likely to be handed out, while Courtois could also be investigated for the part that he played in sparking unsightly scenes.